Healing, Celebration, and Community: Refugee Week 2022

This year marks the 24th anniversary of Refugee Week, an opportunity to commemorate the resilience and strength of refugees all over the world.  

Over the years, this week has been marked by demonstrations and rallies in support of refugees, as well as art exhibitions and other cultural events. It’s a chance to spotlight the struggles of displaced people while also sharing their lived experiences, calling for policy solutions, and encouraging commitments to lasting change. 

There are over 84 million people around the world who have been forcibly displaced from their homes; 27 million of them are refugees who have sought sanctuary in other countries. From Afghanistan and Ukraine to Palestinian and Rohingyas, far too many people have had their lives, communities and cultures shattered by conflict and violence. 

This Year’s Theme: Healing

The theme of Refugee Week 2022 is ‘Healing’: “a celebration of community, mutual care, and the human ability to start again.” 

This week represents a time of restoration and hope for many people around the world. Earlier this year, following violence and displacement on the world stage, we saw people coming together to celebrate our shared humanity and the resilience of refugee communities. However, unfortunately, the media’s coverage of the suffering of different refugee groups varies and so many of these stories don’t make the headlines - this week is an opportunity to raise awareness and reflect on the ways that we can all contribute to creating welcoming and supportive communities for those seeking refuge. 

Having to uproot their entire lives, and often losing loved ones along the way is something these individuals will have to battle with for the rest of their lives, and while we can’t change what has happened, we can help them look forward to a more stable future.  As human beings, and as Muslims, we have a responsibility to respond to such basic human needs. Through our own positive actions, through community and kindness, we can help refugees to start afresh.  

How can I help? 

Show Kindness

One of the most important things you can do is to simply be compassionate. Showing compassion to refugees can go a long way in making them feel welcome and valued in our society. When we see refugees as human beings who are just like us, it becomes much harder to turn a blind eye to their plight. 

Donate! 

If you're able, please consider donating to causes that benefit refugees! There are many organisations doing fantastic work to support refugees, and they rely on donations to continue their vital efforts. Here at Penny Appeal, we’ve been at the forefront of providing refugee support through countless crises. You can help us provide essential aid to refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine, as well as displaced people in Yemen and Syria. It’s also a huge help when people donate to ‘Where Most Needed’ at the top of our Emergency Response page… these funds help ensure we are already prepared for when the next tragedy strikes. 

Every little bit helps, so even if you can only spare a few pennies, your donation will make a big difference! 

Volunteer

Finally, if you have some free time, why not volunteer with an organisation that supports refugees? There are numerous organisations across the UK providing a compassionate welcome to those who reach our shores having escaped conflict and persecution.  

Penny Appeal have been working closely with Afghan refugees entering in the UK, providing new arrivals with cash, clothing, hygiene kits, prayer mats, copies of the Qur’an, and monthly travel cards. We are always on the lookout for volunteers who want to make a big difference in the lives of vulnerable people in our communities, from refugees to homeless and the elderly. Click here to find out more about volunteering! 

When we come together with a purpose, we can create lasting change for the most vulnerable in our communities – including new arrivals who have no one else to turn to. Let's all come together in celebration and solidarity during Refugee Week 2022. Our sanctuary is their safety – let’s welcome them with open arms.